Rob Stephenson FRSA
@rob-stephenson.bsky.social
Fellow of CPA Australia, IML ANZ and the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Member of AICD & ILA. Views my own.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
A Delaware state trooper was killed after gunfire broke out at a motor vehicle office in Wilmington on Tuesday, leaving the gunman dead and additional people injured, the authorities said.
Trooper Killed at Motor Vehicle Office in Delaware
Deputies responded to a report of an active shooter at the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Wilmington, Del., the authorities said. The gunman has also died, officials said.
nyti.ms
December 24, 2025 at 9:40 AM
A Delaware state trooper was killed after gunfire broke out at a motor vehicle office in Wilmington on Tuesday, leaving the gunman dead and additional people injured, the authorities said.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 ambassadors, all of whom are career diplomats. A union says there has never been such a mass recall in the history of the foreign service. Morale has been plummeting in the State Department all year. Story: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/u...
Trump Administration Orders Nearly 30 U.S. Ambassadors to Leave Their Posts
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:06 AM
The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 ambassadors, all of whom are career diplomats. A union says there has never been such a mass recall in the history of the foreign service. Morale has been plummeting in the State Department all year. Story: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/u...
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
US media has decided to pretend that the Epstein-Nassar Letter Epstein sent just before he died merely had a "crude reference" to Trump.
NO.
It was a clear, unambiguous allegation by Epstein that Trump *regularly sexually assaulted* "young, nubile girls."
Our media is BROKEN.
NO.
It was a clear, unambiguous allegation by Epstein that Trump *regularly sexually assaulted* "young, nubile girls."
Our media is BROKEN.
December 23, 2025 at 5:55 PM
US media has decided to pretend that the Epstein-Nassar Letter Epstein sent just before he died merely had a "crude reference" to Trump.
NO.
It was a clear, unambiguous allegation by Epstein that Trump *regularly sexually assaulted* "young, nubile girls."
Our media is BROKEN.
NO.
It was a clear, unambiguous allegation by Epstein that Trump *regularly sexually assaulted* "young, nubile girls."
Our media is BROKEN.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
This is largely about the US.
But stupid tax incentives in Australia - that the Albanese govt is too spineless to change - means we are heading in the same direction. #auspol
But stupid tax incentives in Australia - that the Albanese govt is too spineless to change - means we are heading in the same direction. #auspol
SERIOUSLY, WATCH THIS: If you really want to understand how huge SUVs and pick-up trucks have ended up being MOST of the vehicles out there in our cities, and the absolutely INSANE consequences of that, watch this easy-to-watch video by #NotJustBikes. Then please share it as much as you can.
These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:42 AM
This is largely about the US.
But stupid tax incentives in Australia - that the Albanese govt is too spineless to change - means we are heading in the same direction. #auspol
But stupid tax incentives in Australia - that the Albanese govt is too spineless to change - means we are heading in the same direction. #auspol
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Like #Fraudenberg, Brandis needs to remember that the interweb never forgets @boatie.bsky.social #auspol
How things change… or alternatively, once a hypocrite, always a hypocrite #AusPol www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03...
Brandis defends 'right to be a bigot'
Attorney-General George Brandis has defended the Government's plan to amend a key part of the nation's racial discrimination laws, saying people have "a right to be bigots".
www.abc.net.au
December 20, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Like #Fraudenberg, Brandis needs to remember that the interweb never forgets @boatie.bsky.social #auspol
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Medetomidine, an animal sedative, mixed into fentanyl has sent thousands to hospitals in Philadelphia, not only for overdose but for life-threatening withdrawal. It is spreading to other cities.
A Powerful New Drug Is Creating a ‘Withdrawal Crisis’ in Philadelphia
Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, mixed into fentanyl has sent thousands to hospitals, not only for overdose but for life-threatening withdrawal. It is spreading to other cities.
nyti.ms
December 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Medetomidine, an animal sedative, mixed into fentanyl has sent thousands to hospitals in Philadelphia, not only for overdose but for life-threatening withdrawal. It is spreading to other cities.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Just when you think Trump can’t sink any lower… Rob Reiner and his talented wife Michele were friends of ours. We collaborated on projects. Brad and I are devastated. We are in shock and grief. Sure, Rob opposed Trump, but this is so beyond the pale.
December 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Just when you think Trump can’t sink any lower… Rob Reiner and his talented wife Michele were friends of ours. We collaborated on projects. Brad and I are devastated. We are in shock and grief. Sure, Rob opposed Trump, but this is so beyond the pale.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Indianapolis Star, November 22, 1918
December 12, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Indianapolis Star, November 22, 1918
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
“For half a century, a litany of federal policies has favored large SUVs & trucks, pushing automakers & buyers toward larger models. Instead of counteracting #CarBloat thru regulation, policymakers have subtly encouraged it. That has been a boon for car companies but a disaster for everyone else.”
The reckless policies that helped fill our streets with ridiculously large cars
Dangerous, polluting SUVs and pickup trucks took over America. Lawmakers are partly to blame.
www.vox.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:19 AM
“For half a century, a litany of federal policies has favored large SUVs & trucks, pushing automakers & buyers toward larger models. Instead of counteracting #CarBloat thru regulation, policymakers have subtly encouraged it. That has been a boon for car companies but a disaster for everyone else.”
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Is there any wonder this is happening?
December 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Is there any wonder this is happening?
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
The death of browsing is part of the reason art is the way it is now. Our opinions are largely fed to us by algorithms. Spending a spare 15 minutes wandering around a bookstore or comic shop or video rental place was how you found stuff you wouldn't ordinarily pick up and thereby expanded your taste
Bookselling is like the most "people go to the store and buy what looks cool to them without a particular agenda" type business left, and your purchases have a huge influence on what is ordered, what is displayed, and what is recommended.
November 29, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The death of browsing is part of the reason art is the way it is now. Our opinions are largely fed to us by algorithms. Spending a spare 15 minutes wandering around a bookstore or comic shop or video rental place was how you found stuff you wouldn't ordinarily pick up and thereby expanded your taste
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Heard this one? The City of Barcelona traded 3 lanes of vehicle traffic for an exceptional 4.7km green pedestrian corridor in the heart of the Eixample grid. Businesses sued, & eventually won in court. Then they admitted that they actually like the change.
Streets for people are good for business.
Streets for people are good for business.
The Legal Attack on Superblock Barcelona - City Lab Barcelona
In this blog post, I attempt to unpack what this court ruling is about, the legal arguments, and who is behind it. Did the city really do something wrong? What will happen to the Consell de Cent proj...
citylabbcn.org
November 30, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Heard this one? The City of Barcelona traded 3 lanes of vehicle traffic for an exceptional 4.7km green pedestrian corridor in the heart of the Eixample grid. Businesses sued, & eventually won in court. Then they admitted that they actually like the change.
Streets for people are good for business.
Streets for people are good for business.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Imagine if we directed the same relentless energy toward building better cities that we currently waste on making excuses for why we can't.
Posts about urban biking in Dutch cities are routinely replied to with comments like “well, they have the big advantage of being relatively flat.”
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter city-making decisions. #Leadership
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter city-making decisions. #Leadership
November 30, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Imagine if we directed the same relentless energy toward building better cities that we currently waste on making excuses for why we can't.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
If a Liberal State Government was wrecking the Victorian #StateLibrary & trashing the services it exists to provide, ALP members might be protesting. As it is, pretty much crickets. If you don't save the State Library you're going to lose more seats to indies, Teals & Greens. Interested now? #vicpol
November 29, 2025 at 1:47 AM
If a Liberal State Government was wrecking the Victorian #StateLibrary & trashing the services it exists to provide, ALP members might be protesting. As it is, pretty much crickets. If you don't save the State Library you're going to lose more seats to indies, Teals & Greens. Interested now? #vicpol
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
"What sort of monster makes casinos pay tax and bans them from money laundering?" chaser.com.au/business/bil...
November 25, 2025 at 7:04 AM
"What sort of monster makes casinos pay tax and bans them from money laundering?" chaser.com.au/business/bil...
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
President Trump and Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, are open about their mutual distaste. Now they are meeting in person on Friday. nyti.ms/47UNw5Z
Trump and Mamdani’s Past Comments Reveal a Mutual Distaste
President Trump and Zohran Mamdani have pelted each other with insults from afar. They are meeting in person on Friday.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
President Trump and Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, are open about their mutual distaste. Now they are meeting in person on Friday. nyti.ms/47UNw5Z
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Breaking News: President Trump called the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salam, a “very good friend” and dismissed a question about the journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.
Trump Praises Saudi Prince and Dismisses Question About Killing of Khashoggi: Live Updates
Hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump brushed off the murder of a journalist by Saudi agents, saying, “Things happen.” Fighter jets and investment deals are on the leaders’ agenda today.
nyti.ms
November 18, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Breaking News: President Trump called the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salam, a “very good friend” and dismissed a question about the journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
“In all my years policing I’ve never seen officers coach an offender who was accused of stealing.
“Why would you do it in the case of domestic violence?”
Qld police seem more likely to 'serve and protect' #FamilyViolence perps over victims.
Great work Ben Smee.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
“Why would you do it in the case of domestic violence?”
Qld police seem more likely to 'serve and protect' #FamilyViolence perps over victims.
Great work Ben Smee.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The horrific murders of Hannah Clarke and her children stunned Australia. Could they have been saved?
Exclusive: A two-year Guardian investigation reveals new details about the critical final weeks of Clarke’s life, casting doubt on the coroner’s finding that nothing more could have been done to preve...
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
“In all my years policing I’ve never seen officers coach an offender who was accused of stealing.
“Why would you do it in the case of domestic violence?”
Qld police seem more likely to 'serve and protect' #FamilyViolence perps over victims.
Great work Ben Smee.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
“Why would you do it in the case of domestic violence?”
Qld police seem more likely to 'serve and protect' #FamilyViolence perps over victims.
Great work Ben Smee.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
An interesting book, telling the story of the man who successfully prosecuted a King - despite most people (including himself), and probably the law itself, considering that he was above the law.
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
November 16, 2025 at 9:42 PM
An interesting book, telling the story of the man who successfully prosecuted a King - despite most people (including himself), and probably the law itself, considering that he was above the law.
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
An interesting book, telling the story of the man who successfully prosecuted a King - despite most people (including himself), and probably the law itself, considering that he was above the law.
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
November 16, 2025 at 9:36 PM
An interesting book, telling the story of the man who successfully prosecuted a King - despite most people (including himself), and probably the law itself, considering that he was above the law.
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
History doesn’t repeat - but it rhymes!
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
According to the Republican president, wanting child rapists to face justice means “betraying the Republican party.”
November 15, 2025 at 6:10 PM
According to the Republican president, wanting child rapists to face justice means “betraying the Republican party.”
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
Committed to not committing
November 12, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Committed to not committing
NSW Police, charging a woman with being a “fake Fortune Teller”, certainly provides reassurance for those qualified and regulated Fortune Tellers genuinely operating in the industry, and for consumers and business operators seeking advice and assistance!
November 13, 2025 at 1:18 AM
NSW Police, charging a woman with being a “fake Fortune Teller”, certainly provides reassurance for those qualified and regulated Fortune Tellers genuinely operating in the industry, and for consumers and business operators seeking advice and assistance!
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
On the occasion of Elon Musk pretending that he reads books, I thought I’d reshare my “100 Best Books On City-Making Ever Written” article in @planetizen.bsky.social. It’s 12 years old and needs updating, and got plently of debate back then, but I’d still recommend most of these. #UrbanismBookClub
November 11, 2025 at 1:23 AM
On the occasion of Elon Musk pretending that he reads books, I thought I’d reshare my “100 Best Books On City-Making Ever Written” article in @planetizen.bsky.social. It’s 12 years old and needs updating, and got plently of debate back then, but I’d still recommend most of these. #UrbanismBookClub
Reposted by Rob Stephenson FRSA
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA